Really Impressed with my 2500

[sam darakjy]

Just got back from a round trip from Wilmington NC to Asheville NC. Really impressed how my 2018 Tradesman 2500 Crew Cab handled the trip carrying my Cirrus 720 truck camper. I did not go to the scales but I would estimate that totally loaded with truck,camper and passengers I was close to hauling 3k lbs. It amazes me how much power the 6.4 w/ 3.73 gears has even with the load i was carrying. The transmission shifting was very smooth and I did not even need tow/haul mode. Going up the steep grade in Old Fort was a breeze.

 

[matemike]

Great to know. Glad to hear you enjoy it.
Could please specify for this ram rookie if you have the 8spd transmission?

 

[retired]

Great to know. Glad to hear you enjoy it.
Could please specify for this ram rookie if you have the 8spd transmission?

8 speeds in HD came out in the model year 2019

 

[dhay13]

A 2018 would be the 6 spd.


To the OP, I would still use the tow/haul. Not using it will increase wear and tear on the trans. If I'm towing or hauling less than about 1500-2000lbs I won't use it unless I'm in hilly terrain but any more than that and I use it.

 

[sam darakjy]

Great to know. Glad to hear you enjoy it.
Could please specify for this ram rookie if you have the 8spd transmission?

I have the 6 speed and no complaints. I had the 8 speed in my 2017 Laramie 1500 and also liked it.

 

[sam darakjy]

A 2018 would be the 6 spd.


To the OP, I would still use the tow/haul. Not using it will increase wear and tear on the trans. If I'm towing or hauling less than about 1500-2000lbs I won't use it unless I'm in hilly terrain but any more than that and I use it.

Thank you for the advice. This is my first HD and my first camper so I will take all suggestions.

 

[Vman]

I recently traded my 2016 Ram 1500 5.7L with the 8-speed for a 2021 Ram 2500 6.4L with the 8-speed. The 1500 towed my ~6500 lb travel trailer beautifully, I only upgraded to an HD because of payload considerations plus general length of the trailer to weight of tow vehicle…I’m glad your experience was a positive one, makes me look forward to spring and towing with my new truck!

 

[sam darakjy]

I recently traded my 2016 Ram 1500 5.7L with the 8-speed for a 2021 Ram 2500 6.4L with the 8-speed. The 1500 towed my ~6500 lb travel trailer beautifully, I only upgraded to an HD because of payload considerations plus general length of the trailer to weight of tow vehicle…I’m glad your experience was a positive one, makes me look forward to spring and towing with my new truck!

I really hated giving up my Laramie but the payload could not handle any truck campers I was looking at. Im tempted to look at a truck like yours but staying away because I know I will leave the dealership with one.

 

[Irishthreeper]

I did the same as both of you. Hated to part with the ‘19 1500 Bighorn but felt better about towing my 5W with a ‘21 2500 Hemi. You’ll love the way the 2500 tows.

 

[Ray_Man]

How heavy is your truck camper?

 

[HEMIMANN]

A 2018 would be the 6 spd.


To the OP, I would still use the tow/haul. Not using it will increase wear and tear on the trans. If I'm towing or hauling less than about 1500-2000lbs I won't use it unless I'm in hilly terrain but any more than that and I use it.

+1